I just got my first loom it is a union loom so I have been told. The loom looks just like a union but, there is no tags on it. I am not sure how old it is either. I tried to look on google to see if I could find more out about the loom but, I have not been able too. Does any one else have issues with the brake? Mine keeps popping up and letting the warp beam move. I had to use a bungy cord to hold the brake handle down. I have been weaving on it and love it. I have done 5 rugs on it in the last week.

Comments

Fri, 03/16/2012 - 11:27

heyjewel

I had this problem when I first started using my Union.  Turns out I had the warp on the sectional beam backards.  I did the trick of using a cord to hold the brake down until I used all that warp.  Re-warping in the other direction fixed that problem.....I will see if I have a picture.

Fri, 03/16/2012 - 11:44

cindybeck@mind…

Thanks, when I got the loom it was warped for me. I have been thinking of taking it all off. I think it is old and keeps breaking. I am getting real good at fixing it. I also have been having a issue with the warp tangling. When they warped it they put the warp in each section 8 in each section. I think it would have been better to put 20 to 24 in each section in the middle of the beam. Maybe using 12 or 13 sections. I do not know a lot about weaving I am new, it just looks like it would work a lot better. I have been reading Learning to Weave by Deborah Chandler. I am still trying to find our more about this loom. I am not sure it really is a Union. (no label).

Fri, 03/16/2012 - 12:35

heyjewel

Mine was also warped when I got it but since I did not know the age and content of the warp, I took pictures and then took it all off.  I used the pictures to put new warp on and of course it was wrong! But I learned a lot from doing it. The label is still on my loom but is not entirely intact.  There had been tape on it at one time and  taking the tape off removed most of the label.  I hated that.  I usually warp 24 strands to a section and 14 sections.  This creates a 28 inch wide rug for me.

Sat, 03/17/2012 - 01:27

cindybeck@mind…

were do u buy your warp? and do u use 8/4? do u use a tension box to put the warp on the warping beam?

Sat, 03/17/2012 - 13:55

heyjewel

I get my warp from Great Northern Weaving and Leesburg Looms and Supply.  Both give great customer service.  I do use 8/4 warp.  My preference is the cotton/poly.  I have tried the new (less expensive) 100% poly.  It is very nice but I have trouble with it when I try to weave weft that has much give to it, like sock loopers, tee shirts and such.  I will continue to use both and pick my wefts accordingly.  "Kareninthewoods" fiber artist has a great self made instructional dvd on warping the loom.  Two more books that I strongly recommend are "Rag Rug Handbook" (by Janet Meany and Paula Pfaff) and "Rag Weaving Gimmicks and Tricks" (by Johanna Erickson).  And, yes I do use a tension box.  I would not warp without it............I hope all this info helps.  I have only been weaving for 3 years. I am still in the learning stages.  Best wishes to you!

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 00:53

cindybeck@mind…

u have helped alot thanks so much. I have "Rag Weaving Gimmicks and Tricks" ordered it should be here any time. I was going to get "Rag Rug Handbook but, I chould not find it at a good price. I was shocked to see how much it was. I am keeping a eye on ebay for it. I did find Great Northern for supplies but I have not tried Leesburg looms and supply I will check them out tonight. I need to order warp and a tenion box. I will also look for "kareninthewoods" too. U have 3 years on me I just started a few weeks ago. So Thank You so very much.